The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Rating Diploma has long been recognised as the gold standard for measuring the capability of rating surveyors.

The qualification is not new but was reinvigorated a few years ago, moving away from a formal examination to that of continuous learning with written assignments.

This course is run by rating surveyors for rating surveyors. It's a tough course, but there are many benefits. It can be seen as a training course to bring less experienced surveyors up to a high level of rating knowledge and to be challenged to think about the problems of rating.

For others there is the satisfaction of completing a course on their specialist subject. For all, there will be a considerable sense of personal achievement through engaging in a course of learning directly relevant to their job with the outcome of being a better, and more effective, rating surveyor.

There are, of course, the designatory letters that come with the achievement and also the added fellowship and support of the Rating Diploma Holders' Section, something that I have really benefited from since obtaining the Diploma in 2003.

Achieving the qualification is a challenge. Applicants need to successfully complete nine modules of study as well as an assignment. Then they must provide evidence of practical experience and attend an oral examination.

The course is an in-depth study of rating valuation practice equipping the rating surveyor with a full understanding of this specialised discipline. At the completion of each module the surveyor is expected to have a high level of understanding of the topic, to have an extensive knowledge of the relevant case law and to have studied widely around the subject.

Achieving the diploma proves that you are a surveyor who does not merely undertake rating valuations, but has expert knowledge which they can use in preparing valuations, negotiating with other surveyors, appearing in tribunals and acting in an advisory or policy making capacity.

While we have eight public sector members of the Rating Diploma Holders Section in Northern Ireland, as well as two honorary members, as yet we have no members from the private sector.

I would highly recommend that those working in the rating arena consider the advantages in studying for the qualification.

As Rating Diploma Holders Section chair for 2018-19, but also as someone practising here in Northern Ireland, I hope to see more local candidates going forward.